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Saturday, September 10, 2016

Stepladder / Showgirl Loop - 9/10/16

Trailhead View

Kyle Canyon

Charleston Peak

Starting Up Stepladder Loop

Today's "moderate" hike was a quick 7 mile tour around a trail loop in the lower elevations of the Spring Mountains NRA. Seven hikers began at the Traffic Circle Trailhead and began climbing the Stepladder Trail, the side of this loop that climbs along the contour of Stepladder Peak. There was much conversation so the "wake-up climb" seemed fast. Soon, we were at the saddle junction where there are five choices of direction to go.

We took a more or less straight direction onto the Cowboy Washington Trail but, very quickly, we forked to the right to descend on the Shady Hollow Trail.

Starting Up Showgirl Trail

Saddle Junction (Foreground)

Instead of taking the entire Shady Hollow descent, we opted to use the bike trail down for a more direct route. At the bottom, we fumbled a little as we tried to decide which way we needed to go for the Showgirl Trail connection. When we got all the way down to Telephone Canyon Road, we turned to the left and found the Showgirl Trail up the road a little. It would be really nice if the park service would continue working on signage.

Stepladder Peak from Showgirl Trail

The mid-section of the Showgirl Trail is a favorite as it travels around the contour of the ridge above and to the left. Views of La Madre Peak and Stepladder Peak are picturesque.

Showgirl Trail

When we found a place in a little shade, we stopped for a break. There was a slight breeze and the sun was behind the clouds off and on. Otherwise, it's still hot out there!

AtBF Canyon Mouth

Small Bridge & Wash Cairn

The Showgirl Trail took us down to cross the mouth of AtBF Canyon. A little bridge has been placed across a dip in the wash where two huge cairns mark the route. The trail continues along the wash for a while then the wash starts to dip at a faster rate. This puts the hikers on a contour of the hillside but still gently descending. The contour trail weaves in and out of the arroyos and ridges.

Showgirl Trail meets AtBF Canyon Wash

Finally, the forest road named Wooden Pole Powerline Road comes into view. This road connects this part of the Showgirl Trail to the BLM Fire & Rescue Station on Kyle Canyon Road.

Continuing Down Showgirl Trail

We turned onto the forest road and descended, ascended, and descended steeply to the fire station. A paved road led us to the dirt road that turned to the right.

Following the Hillside Contour

Short Descent on the Forest Road

The first trail that turns to the right from this dirt road is Tin Can Alley. We took this trail up until we reached a junction to another cross trail going back to the left. This trail drops down to cross Telephone Canyon Road where we could connect with the Shady Hollow Trail. Following this trail, we returned to the cars. A good Saturday morning workout. Only saw one biker today!

Welcome to our website!

As a group of people who have climbed over the age 50 mark and still have very young hearts (pun intended), we welcome new members and guests to our club. It is easy to join. Just show up at a hike rated leisurely and pay your yearly dues of $5. If you aren't sure about it, be our guest for one hike. You will be required to sign a waiver of liability and a release of your image to be used on this website if you happen to walk inadvertently in front of a camera.

To the extent that we contemplate ourselves and elevate our state of life, we can deepen our understanding of others. Someone who does so is capable of recognizing and treasuring people’s individuality. A person of wisdom tries to invigorate others and bring out the best in them.

I believe friendship is the most genuinely humane relationship of which we are capable. To be understood and appreciated for oneself is a vital experience in life.

Points to Ponder

Dogs solution for stress: if you cannot eat it, if you cannot play with it, pee on it and walk away.